We like to think of ourselves as rational beings that make careful and logical decisions. When asked about what we look for in say, a new pair of jeans, most of us will mention attributes such as "affordable", "high quality", and "flattering". Few will say that they want a pair of jeans that gives them a feeling of power, excites them, or instills a sense of belonging. Does this mean that emotions don't matter?

Although there are a lot of market research companies out there, Murphy Research stands out from the rest. As a two time winner of the Best Places to Work in LA award, let us tell you why we think Murphy Research is awesome.

As we have discussed previously, podcasts are not only a great form of entertainment but can also inspire your storytelling. Storytelling can come more naturally if you have a riveting, emotional story to tell, but as market researchers, a significant part of what we do involves crafting stories around data and numbers. I've come across a podcast that does this quite artfully.

Last week I started a new job as VP, Account Manager at Murphy Research. I may be new to the team but in many ways it feels literally and figuratively like coming home. I grew up in Santa Monica where Murphy Research's office is now located; the two mile radius around the office and new metro line was my stomping ground. Joining Murphy Research is also about returning to my roots in research where I unexpectedly landed almost a decade ago and where I have since found incredible meaning in the story of human behavior. After several years focused on shopper behavior at IPG and Inmar, the last two years I had stepped away from research into the realm of marketing. I loved many aspects of working in marketing but in many ways my heart longed for more time to understand the how and why behind marketing decisions and less about executing the tactics.

The Murphy Research Pillars define who we are as a company and our attitudes toward designing and conducting quality research projects. But their use extends beyond market research! Here's how the Murphy Research Pillars help me be a better racer.

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Every savvy marketer knows that all shoppers are not created equal. It can be easy to get caught up in the latest buzz or stuck in age-old assumptions - e.g. shoppers demand personalization; consumers always love promotions; if it's organic, it will sell! - but marketers quickly learn if they spread their brand and their resources too thin, their message will get lost and they'll lose customers along the way.It's time for marketers to get back to the basics and know your shoppers.

As market researchers, we're keenly aware that sometimes there's a gap between what people say and what they do, between aspiration and behavior. That's not because people lie or deliberately mislead (although occasionally they do). Rather, it's often because everyday behaviors and assumptions are so routine and deep-seated they fade into the background of our lives. The implicit and taken-for-granted can be hard to notice, recall, and describe. And yet, some of the deepest insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors lie in those unconscious routines and tacit assumptions. So how do we see the invisible and hear the unspoken?

LeBron James making his move to LA has been one of the most talked-about decisions in the sports world. His four-year, $154 million contract ($38,500,000 a year) will make him the highest paid NBA player ever. There's a new legend in town, but one thing that really separates King James from former Lakers greats is the heavy economic opportunity he has brought to each of the cities in which he's played. The study of this has been dubbed "LeConomics," and big brands and local establishments alike need to understand the impact of this economic force.

The proliferation of smartphone apps, wearable trackers, smart clothes and other health tech has given us access to more information about our fitness and nutrition than ever before. But does collecting all this data make us any healthier?

What is AR? AR, meaning Augmented Reality, is an emerging technology that blends the physical world with elements of computer generated imagery and/or animation. A great example of this is the facial filters that Snapchat offers.

The lean approach to startups, innovation and product development is all the rage - and for good reason. There are many benefits to the lean approach, including quicker time to market, reduced development costs, more innovative products and improved customer relationships. However, companies outside the web/digital space can struggle executing on some of the principles of lean development, and even technology companies need a clear vision and strategy, along with processes for collecting and analyzing feedback, to embrace lean principles. Market research can bridge those gaps!